Support and drive arrangement

ABSTRACT

A support and drive arrangement for an electrically driven vehicle or a hybrid-electrically driven vehicle. The support and drive arrangement includes a cross beam having at least two attachment sections permitting the attachment of the cross beam to a vehicle support structure, and at least one electrical drive unit connected to the cross beam via at least one elastic drive mount.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/232,801 (filed on Aug. 11, 2009),the full contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

In a motor vehicle driven solely by electrical power, one or multipleelectrical drive units are provided. In a hybrid electrically-drivenmotor vehicle, at least one additional and different drive assembly isprovided as an auxiliary to the electrical drive unit, the assemblybeing particularly an internal combustion engine.

In such vehicles, a suitable support arrangement serves to attach thedrive assembly to the vehicle support structure, the same also beingcalled the vehicle sub-frame or the body structure of the motor vehicle.

SUMMARY

Embodiments are related to a support and drive arrangement which enablesa flexible arrangement of the arrangement in an electrically drivenmotor vehicle or a hybrid electrically driven motor vehicle, and allowsan acoustical uncoupling of the assembly from the vehicle supportstructure while offering enhanced stability.

In accordance with embodiments, a support and drive arrangement caninclude at least one of the following: a cross beam having at least twoattachment sections which rigidly attaches the cross beam to a vehiclesupport structure, and at least one electrical drive unit which issecured to the cross beam via at least one elastic drive mount.

In accordance with embodiments, a support and drive arrangement for ahybrid-electrically driven vehicle can include at least one of thefollowing: a cross beam attached to a vehicle support structure; a firstelectrical drive unit connected to the cross beam; a gear unit connectedto the cross beam and the first electrical drive unit; and an internalcombustion engine connected to the gear unit.

In accordance with embodiments, a support and drive arrangement for ahybrid-electrically driven vehicle can include at least one of thefollowing: a cross beam having attached to a vehicle support structure;a first electrical drive unit directly connected to the cross beam via afirst elastic mount; an internal combustion engine indirectly connectedto the cross beam, a second electrical drive unit indirectly connectedto the cross beam, and a gear unit directly positioned intermediatebetween the cross beam and the internal combustion engine and also thesecond electrical drive unit, such that the gear unit is directlyconnected to the cross beam via a second elastic mount and operativelyconnected to the first electrical drive unit, the second electricaldrive unit and the internal combustion engine.

In accordance with embodiments, the cross beam may be rigidly connectedor otherwise attached, for example, bolted or welded, to the vehiclesupport structure via the attachment sections. As such, an advantageousstiffening of the body shell is achieved, i.e., the rigidity of thevehicle support structure is enhanced. In turn, it is possible to reduceweight elsewhere in the design of the chassis.

The cross beam in accordance with embodiments also enables the couplingof different drive assemblies on the same vehicle support structure, forexample, the coupling of electrical drive units having different sizes(for a solely electric drive, or for a so-called “range extender” hybriddrive), or the addition of an internal combustion engine. Thearrangement of each drive assembly is more flexible within the availableconstruction space. The provision of at least one elastic drive mountbetween the cross beam and the electrical drive unit also allows theacoustic uncoupling of the assembly from the vehicle support structure.In addition, such a support- and drive arrangement enables theadditional attachment of auxiliary assemblies in a flexible andacoustically uncoupled manner.

In accordance with embodiments, for a hybrid electric vehicle, theelectrical drive unit can be secured directly on the cross beam via theaforementioned at least one elastic drive mount. The support and drivearrangement also has an internal combustion engine which is likewiseattached to the electrical drive unit in such a manner that permits theinternal combustion engine to be attached only indirectly to the crossbeam via the electrical drive unit and the aforementioned at least oneelastic drive mount. Accordingly, the internal combustion engine is notdirectly connected to the cross beam, and thus, provides a so-calledfloating mount. Moreover, the internal combustion engine may notnecessarily be attached to the electrical drive unit directly, butrather an indirect connection can be provided, for example, via a gearunit.

Such a design enables a particularly flexible arrangement, i.e., freepositioning of the internal combustion engine within the availableconstruction space. In such a design, no dedicated receiving mount maybe provided between the internal combustion engine and the vehiclesupport structure, or at least the number of such receiving mounts canbe significantly reduced. Primarily, such a design ensures that theinternal combustion engine is not loaded with forces from the chassisframe which can be transmitted via the vehicle support structure.

In accordance with embodiments, the internal combustion engine can berigidly connected to the electrical drive unit. Consequently, noadditional uncoupling device, i.e., no additional elastic mount, isrequired between the internal combustion engine and the electrical driveunit.

In accordance with embodiments, the support and drive arrangement canalso have a gear unit which is attached to the cross beam via at leastone elastic gear unit mount to permit an internal combustion engine tobe rigidly connected to the gear unit in such a manner that the internalcombustion engine is also only indirectly secured to the cross beam viathe gear unit and via the at least one elastic gear unit mount.Accordingly, the gear unit serves as an additional intermediate elementbetween the internal combustion engine and the cross beam, in order toallow a more flexible arrangement of the internal combustion engine inthe available construction space while affording high stability. Anadditional mounting point between the internal combustion engine and thecross beam can be provided in this case by the elastic gear unit mount,providing for acoustic uncoupling.

In addition to the indirect and acoustically uncoupled connection of theinternal combustion engine to the cross beam via the at least oneelastic drive mount, and optionally via the at least one elastic gearunit mount, the internal combustion engine can be attached to thevehicle support structure via at least one additional elastic drivemount, bypassing the cross beam. The additional attachment of theinternal combustion engine to the vehicle support structure can bedesigned as a direct or an indirect attachment, particularly via thegear unit.

In accordance with embodiments alternatively, an internal combustionengine can also be provided for a hybrid electric vehicle, the internalcombustion engine being directly attached to the cross beam via the atleast one elastic drive mount, with the electrical drive unit beingattached to the internal combustion engine in such a manner that theelectrical drive unit is only indirectly attached to the cross beam viathe internal combustion engine and via the at least one elastic drivemount. In other words, the arrangement of the internal combustion engineand the electrical drive unit can be swapped, the internal combustionengine being arranged between the electrical drive unit upstream and thecross beam downstream, this sequence being given with respect to thedirection in which power is transmitted. In this way, it is possible tofreely position the electrical drive unit, i.e., provide a flexiblearrangement with respect to the same within the available constructionspace.

In accordance with embodiments, additionally or alternatively to theabove-described embodiment, the support and drive arrangement can alsohave at least one auxiliary assembly, for example, an air-conditioningcompressor, a power steering pump, or a water pump. Preferably, the atleast one auxiliary assembly is attached to the cross beam via a rigidconnection or an elastic mount. In essence, each auxiliary assemblypresent can be consequently attached to the electrical drive unit andoptionally to the internal combustion engine only indirectly via thecross beam. Accordingly, the cross beam enables a simpler pre-assemblyof the support and drive arrangement, particularly in the case ofmultiple auxiliary assemblies. In addition, the necessary holders forthe auxiliary assemblies can have a simpler design if the auxiliaryassemblies must not be attached to a housing for the electrical driveunit, to a housing for the internal combustion engine, or to a gearunit.

It can be particularly advantageous if each auxiliary assembly isdirectly attached to the cross beam via an elastic mount. In this way,noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) problems are further reduced. This isparticularly important if an electrical drive unit is used, because thesame is significantly quieter when the vehicle is stationary than aninternal combustion engine.

DRAWINGS

Example FIG. 1 illustrate a schematic cross-section of a hybrid electricvehicle having a support and drive arrangement, in accordance withembodiments.

DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in example FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments supportand drive arrangement 11 has drive assembly 13 with first electricaldrive unit 15, internal combustion engine 17, an optional secondelectrical drive unit 19, and gear unit 21. First electrical drive unit15, internal combustion engine 17 and second electrical drive unit 19can be rigidly connected to each other. Such a connection, however, isnot a direct connection, but rather indirectly via the centrallyarranged gear unit 21.

Gear unit 21 serves to unify the drive torque generated by firstelectrical drive unit 15, internal combustion engine 17, and secondelectrical drive unit 19, to then distribute the total drive torque to apair of drive shafts 23. Via shafts 23, the drive torque is transmittedalong a respective horizontal transverse axis Y to wheels 25 of therespective vehicle axle. Gear unit 21 can effect an additionaltranslation of each drive torque, particularly a translation of thedrive torque generated by internal combustion engine 17 in accordancewith multiple gear steps.

Support and drive arrangement 11 also has cross beam 27, which isattached to vehicle support structure 31 in a rigid manner via a pair ofattachment sections 29. In accordance with embodiments, cross beam 27 isattached to a pair of longitudinal beams of vehicle support structure 31in a front end area of the vehicle.

Drive assembly 13 is attached to cross beam 27 in a manner whichuncouples the same acoustically. As such, first electrical drive unit 15is directly attached to cross beam 27 via first elastic drive mount 33.In addition, gear unit 21 is directly attached to cross beam 27 viasecond elastic gear unit mount 35. In contrast, internal combustionengine 17 and second electrical drive unit 19 are only indirectlyattached to cross beam 27, particularly via gear unit 21 and elasticgear unit mount 35 on one side, and via gear unit 21, first electricaldrive unit 15, and elastic drive mount 33 on the other side. Internalcombustion engine 17 and second electrical drive unit 19 are alsoattached to section 38 of vehicle support structure 31 via gear unit 21and third elastic drive mount 37. In accordance with embodiments, driveassembly 13 is situated spatially below cross beam 27 with respect tovertical axis Z.

In accordance with embodiments, multiple auxiliary assemblies can bedirectly attached to cross beam 27 separately from the drivearrangement, although only one such auxiliary assembly 39 is exemplifiedin the illustration. Auxiliary assembly 39 is attached to cross beam 27via elastic mount 41, and is consequently uncoupled acoustically fromcross beam 27.

Cross beam 27 enables the attachment of different drive assemblies, forexample, first electrical drive unit 15, internal combustion engine 17and electrical drive unit 19, to vehicle support structure 31, withpositioning of the drive assemblies made as free as possible, such thatvehicle support structure 31 can not only be equipped with differenttypes of combinations of drive assemblies in an especially flexiblemanner, but also the available construction space can be optimallyexploited. The rigid connection of cross beam 27 to vehicle supportstructure 31 effects an advantageous strengthening of the vehiclechassis. At the same time, the intermediate positioning of first elasticmount 33, second elastic mount 35 and third elastic mount 37 may permitan acoustic uncoupling of drive arrangement 13 from vehicle supportstructure 31. Additionally, at least one auxiliary assembly 39 canlikewise be attached or otherwise connected to cross beam 27 with themost flexible possible positioning thereof.

In accordance with embodiments, it should be noted that, in the case ofa vehicle driven solely by electric power, internal combustion engine 17can be left out. Optionally, second electrical drive unit 19 and/or gearunit 21 can be left out.

In accordance with embodiments, alternatively, the spatial arrangementof first electrical drive unit 15 and internal combustion engine 17 canbe swapped, i.e., internal combustion engine 17 can be directly attachedor otherwise connected to cross beam 27 via first elastic drive mount33, and first electrical drive unit 15 can be attached or otherwiseconnected to internal combustion engine 17 via gear unit 21, and thus,only indirectly attached to cross beam 27.

Although embodiments have been described herein, it should be understoodthat numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised bythose skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope ofthe principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variationsand modifications are possible in the component parts and/orarrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope ofthe disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition tovariations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements,alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A support and drive arrangement for at least oneof an electrically driven vehicle and a hybrid-electrically drivenvehicle, the support and drive arrangement comprising: a cross beamhaving at least two attachment sections permitting the attachment of thecross beam to a vehicle support structure; and at least one electricaldrive unit connected to the cross beam via at least one first elasticmount.
 2. The support and drive arrangement of claim 1, wherein the atleast one electrical drive unit is directly connected to the cross beamvia the at least one first elastic mount,
 3. The support and drivearrangement of claim 2, further comprising an internal combustion engineconnected to the electrical drive unit in such a manner that theinternal combustion engine is only indirectly connected to the crossbeam via the electrical drive unit and the at least one first elasticmount, wherein the internal combustion engine is connected to theelectrical drive unit.
 4. The support and drive arrangement of claim 3,further comprising a gear unit directly connected to the cross beam viaat least one second elastic mount, wherein the internal combustionengine is connected to the gear unit in such a manner that the internalcombustion engine is also only indirectly connected to the cross beamvia the gear unit and the at least one second elastic mount.
 5. Thesupport and drive arrangement of claim 4, wherein the gear unit isconnected to the vehicle support structure via at least one thirdelastic mount.
 6. The support and drive arrangement of claim 1, furthercomprising an internal combustion engine connected directly to the crossbeam via the at least one first elastic mount, wherein the electricaldrive unit is attached to the internal combustion engine in such amanner that the electrical drive unit is only indirectly connected tothe cross beam via the internal combustion engine and the at least onefirst elastic mount.
 7. The support and drive arrangement of claim 1,further comprising at least one auxiliary assembly directly connected tothe cross beam.
 8. The support and drive arrangement of claim 7, whereineach at least one auxiliary assembly is directly connected to the crossbeam via a fourth elastic mount.
 9. The support and drive arrangement ofclaim 1, wherein the cross beam is arranged in a front end area of theat least one electrically driven vehicle and hybrid-electrically drivenvehicle.
 10. The support and drive arrangement of claim 1, wherein theattachment sections of the cross beam are attached to a respectivelongitudinal beam of the vehicle support structure.
 11. A support anddrive arrangement for a hybrid-electrically driven vehicle, the supportand drive arrangement comprising: a cross beam attached to a vehiclesupport structure; a first electrical drive unit connected to the crossbeam; a gear unit connected to the cross beam and the first electricaldrive unit; and an internal combustion engine connected to the gearunit.
 12. The support and drive arrangement of claim 11, wherein thefirst electrical drive unit is directly connected to the cross beam viaa first elastic mount.
 13. The support and drive arrangement of claim11, wherein the first electrical drive unit is indirectly connected tothe cross beam.
 14. The support and drive arrangement of claim 11,wherein the gear unit is directly connected to the cross beam via asecond elastic mount.
 15. The support and drive arrangement of claim 11,wherein the internal combustion engine is directly connected to the gearunit and indirectly connected to the cross beam via the gear unit andthe at least one second elastic mount.
 16. The support and drivearrangement of claim 11, wherein the internal combustion engine isdirectly connected to the cross beam via a first elastic mount.
 17. Thesupport and drive arrangement of claim 11, further comprising a secondelectrical drive unit connected to the cross beam.
 18. The support anddrive arrangement of claim 17, wherein the second electrical drive unitis directly connected to the gear unit and indirectly connected to thecross beam via the gear unit and the at least one second elastic mount.19. A support and drive arrangement for a hybrid-electrically drivenvehicle, the support and drive arrangement comprising: a cross beamhaving attached to a vehicle support structure; a first electrical driveunit directly connected to the cross beam via a first elastic mount; aninternal combustion engine indirectly connected to the cross beam; asecond electrical drive unit indirectly connected to the cross beam; anda gear unit directly positioned intermediate between the cross beam andthe internal combustion engine and also the second electrical driveunit, wherein the gear unit is directly connected to the cross beam viaa second elastic mount and operatively connected to the first electricaldrive unit, the second electrical drive unit and the internal combustionengine.
 20. The support and drive arrangement of claim 19, furthercomprising at least one auxiliary assembly directly connected to thecross beam via a third elastic mount.